Image processing apparatus, image processing system and storage medium

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor obtains a medical image in which a subject is imaged, calculates a value of an evaluation item based on the medical image, sets evaluation items among a plurality of evaluation items, generates a radar chart using the value of each of the set evaluation items, and outputs the radar chart.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-038889,filed on Mar. 14, 2022, including description, claims, drawings andabstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus, animage processing system and a storage medium.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

There has been a technique of analyzing an X-ray image(s) and obtaininga parameter (feature amount) for a disease, respiratory function or thelike, and a doctor or another makes an evaluation (diagnoses a disease,grasp information on respiratory function, etc.) by checking whether theresult shows a tendency similar to that of the disease, the respiratoryfunction or the like. In particular, in dynamic analysis using a dynamicimage obtained by dynamic imaging, time-series information can beobtained as a parameter and its tendency can be checked.

Since the interior of the body is intricately controlled and it isdifficult to make an evaluation thereon using one parameter only, it hasbeen proposed to display a radar chart with a plurality of parameters.(See, for example, JP 2019-63328 A.)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, observation sites and diseases have different features. Hence,a radar chart with fixed parameters disclosed in JP 2019-63328 A cannotbe used widely in medical practice.

Objects of the present disclosure include providing an image processingapparatus, an image processing system and a storage medium storing aprogram capable of generating a suitable radar chart(s) in accordancewith a disease and an observation site about which analysis isperformed.

To achieve at least one of the abovementioned objects, according to afirst aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imageprocessing apparatus including a hardware processor that

-   -   obtains a medical image in which a subject is imaged,    -   calculates a value of an evaluation item based on the medical        image,    -   sets evaluation items among a plurality of evaluation items,    -   generates a radar chart using the value of each of the set        evaluation items, and    -   outputs the radar chart.

To achieve at least one of the abovementioned objects, according to asecond aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imageprocessing system including:

-   -   an examination apparatus that obtains a medical image in which a        subject is imaged;    -   an image processing apparatus that is connected to the        examination apparatus; and    -   a hardware processor that        -   obtains the medical image from the examination apparatus,        -   calculates a value of an evaluation item based on the            medical image,        -   sets evaluation items among a plurality of evaluation items,        -   generates a radar chart using the value of each of the set            evaluation items, and        -   outputs the radar chart.

To achieve at least one of the abovementioned objects, according to athird aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program thatcauses a computer of an image processing apparatus to:

-   -   obtain a medical image in which a subject is imaged;    -   calculate a value of an evaluation item based on the medical        image;    -   set evaluation items among a plurality of evaluation items;    -   generate a radar chart using the value of each of the set        evaluation items; and    -   output the radar chart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given hereinafter and the appended drawings, which are givenby way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the present disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an image processing systemaccording to an embodiment(s) of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an imaging control process;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a report creation process;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a radar chart item setting screen;

FIG. 5 shows an example of a measurement result display screen;

FIG. 6 shows an example of the measurement result display screen;

FIG. 7 shows examples of patterns of radar charts;

FIG. 8 shows a display example of a radar chart;

FIG. 9 shows an example of the radar chart item setting screen;

FIG. 10 shows image analysis programs and measurable items (radar chartitems) with the programs;

FIG. 11 shows an example (examples of frame images) of a dynamic imagewith a heart ROI as a region to be analyzed (analysis region);

FIG. 12 shows an example of a still image; and

FIG. 13 shows examples of ultrasound images.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scopeof the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments orillustrated examples.

<Configuration of Image Processing System 100>

First, configuration of an image processing system according to anembodiment(s) will be described.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an image processing system 100according to an embodiment(s).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the image processing system 100 includes an imagingapparatus 1, an imaging console 2 connected with the imaging apparatus 1via a communication cable or the like, and a diagnostic console 3connected with the imaging console 2 via a communication network NT,such as a LAN (Local Area Network). These apparatuses of the imageprocessing system 100 are in conformity with DICOM (Digital Image andCommunications in Medicine) standard and communicate with one another inconformity with DICOM. The imaging apparatus 1 and the imaging console 2constitute an examination apparatus of this embodiment.

<Configuration of Imaging Apparatus 1>

The imaging apparatus 1 is an imager that images/photographs a dynamicstate (dynamic imaging) of a living body. Examples of the dynamic stateinclude change in shape of lungs, namely expansion and contraction oflungs, with respiration, and pulsation of a heart. Dynamic imaging isperformed by repeatedly emitting pulsed radiation, such as X-rays, to asubject at intervals of a predetermined time (pulse emission) orcontinuously emitting radiation without a break to a subject at a lowdose rate (continuous emission), thereby generating a plurality ofimages showing the dynamic state of a subject. A series of imagesobtained by dynamic imaging is called a dynamic image (medical image).Images constituting a dynamic image are called frame images. Dynamicimages include moving images, but do not include images obtained byperforming still imaging while displaying a moving image. In theembodiment(s) described below, dynamic imaging of a chest is performedby pulse emission as an example.

A radiation source 11 is arranged so as to face a radiation detector 13with a subject M (examinee) in between, and emits radiation (X-rays) tothe subject M under the control of a radiation emission controller 12.

The radiation emission controller 12 is connected with the imagingconsole 2, and controls the radiation source 11 on the basis ofradiation emission conditions input from the imaging console 2 toperform radiographing (radiographic imaging or imaging with radiation).The radiation emission conditions input from the imaging console 2include a pulse rate, a pulse width, a pulse interval, the number offrame images to be taken by one dynamic imaging, a value of current ofan X-ray tube, a value of voltage of the X-ray tube, and a type of anadded filter. The pulse rate is the number of times that radiation isemitted per second, and matches a frame rate described below. The pulsewidth is a period of time (duration) of one radiation emission. Thepulse interval is a period of time from start of one radiation emissionto start of the next radiation emission, and matches a frame intervaldescribed below.

The radiation detector 13 is constituted of a semiconductor imagesensor, such as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The FPD is constituted ofdetection elements (pixels) arranged at predetermined points on asubstrate, such as a glass substrate, in a matrix. The detectionelements detect radiation (intensity of radiation) that has been emittedfrom the radiation source 11 and passed through at least the subject M,convert the detected radiation into electric signals, and accumulate theelectric signals therein. The pixels are provided with switchingelements, such as TFTs (Thin Film Transistors). There are an indirectconversion FPD that converts X-rays into electric signals withphotoelectric conversion element(s) via scintillator(s) and a directconversion FPD that directly converts X-rays into electric signals.Either of these can be used.

The radiation detector 13 is arranged so as to face the radiation source11 with the subject M in between.

A reading controller 14 is connected with the imaging console 2. Thereading controller 14 controls the switching elements of the pixels ofthe radiation detector 13 on the basis of image reading conditions inputfrom the imaging console 2 to switch (change) the pixels from which theaccumulated electric signals are read, thereby reading the electricsignals accumulated in the radiation detector 13 and obtaining imagedata. This image data is a frame image(s). Signal values of pixels ofeach frame image indicate density values. The reading controller 14outputs the obtained frame images to the imaging console 2. The imagereading conditions include a frame rate, a frame interval, a pixel size,and an image size (matrix size). The frame rate is the number of frameimages that are obtained per second, and matches the pulse ratedescribed above. The frame interval is a period of time from start ofone frame image obtainment to start of the next frame image obtainment,and matches the pulse interval described above.

The radiation emission controller 12 and the reading controller 14 areconnected with one another, and exchange sync signals to synchronizeradiation emission and image reading with one another.

<Configuration of Imaging Console 2>

The imaging console 2 outputs the radiation emission conditions and theimage reading conditions to the imaging apparatus 1 to controlradiographing and radiograph reading that are performed by the imagingapparatus 1, and also displays dynamic images obtained (generated) bythe imaging apparatus 1 so that a radiographer (user), such as aradiologist, can check if positioning has no problem, and also candetermine if the dynamic images are suitable for diagnosis.

The imaging console 2 includes, as shown in FIG. 1 , a controller 21, astorage 22, an operation unit 23, a display 24 and a communication unit25. These components are connected with one another via a bus 26.

The controller 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM(Random Access Memory). The CPU of the controller 21 reads a systemprogram(s) and various process programs stored in the storage 22 inresponse to the radiographer operating the operation unit 23, loads theread programs into the RAM, and performs various processes, such as animaging control process described below, in accordance with the loadedprograms, thereby performing centralized control of operation of eachcomponent of the imaging console 2 as well as radiation emission andimage reading of the imaging apparatus 1.

The storage 22 is constituted of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, ahard disk and/or the like. The storage 22 stores, for example, variousprograms to be executed by the controller 21, parameters necessary toperform processes of the programs, and data, such as process results.For example, the storage 22 stores a program for the imaging controlprocess shown in FIG. 2 . The storage 22 also stores the radiationemission conditions and the image reading conditions associated withrespective examination target sites (in this embodiment, chest). Theprograms are stored in the form of a computer readable program code(s),and the controller 21 operates in accordance with the program code.

The operation unit 23 includes a keyboard including cursor keys, numberinput keys and various function keys, and a pointing device, such as amouse, and outputs, to the controller 21, command signals input by theradiographer operating the keys of the keyboard or the mouse. Theoperation unit 23 may have a touchscreen on the display screen of thedisplay 24. In this case, the operation unit 23 outputs command signalsinput via the touchscreen to the controller 21.

The display 24 is constituted of a monitor, such as an LCD (LiquidCrystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays commandsinput from the operation unit 23, data and so forth in accordance withcommands of display signals input from the controller 21.

The communication unit 25 includes a LAN adapter, a modem and a TA(Terminal Adapter), and controls transmission and reception of data toand from apparatuses connected to the communication network NT.

<Configuration of Diagnostic Console 3>

The diagnostic control 3 is a dynamic image processing apparatus thatobtains dynamic images from the imaging console 2, performs imageprocessing on the obtained dynamic images, displays the dynamic images,and calculates feature amounts (parameters) on the basis of the dynamicimages.

The diagnostic console 3 includes, as shown in FIG. 1 , a controller 31(hardware processor), a storage 32, an operation unit 33 (operationreceiver), a display 34 and a communication unit 35. These componentsare connected with one another via a bus 36.

The controller 31 includes a CPU and a RAM. The CPU of the controller 31reads a system program(s) and various process programs stored in thestorage 32 in response to a user (e.g., radiographer/radiologist)operating the operation unit 33, loads the read programs into the RAM,and performs various processes, such as a report creation processdescribed below, in accordance with the loaded programs, therebyperforming centralized control of operation of each component of thediagnostic console 3.

The storage 32 is constituted of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, ahard disk and/or the like. The storage 32 stores, for example, variousprograms for various processes, including a program for the reportcreation process shown in FIG. 3 , to be executed by the controller 31,parameters necessary to perform the processes of the programs, and data,such as process results. The programs are stored in the form of acomputer readable program code(s), and the controller 31 operates inaccordance with the program code.

The storage 32 also stores dynamic images obtained in the past eachassociated with an image ID, patient (examinee) information (e.g.,patient (examinee) ID, name, height, weight, age, sex, etc.),examination information (e.g., examination ID, examination date,examination target site (in this embodiment, chest), respiratory state,etc.) and so forth.

The operation unit 33 includes a keyboard including cursor keys, numberinput keys and various function keys, and a pointing device, such as amouse, and outputs, to the controller 31, command signals input by theuser operating the keys of the keyboard or the mouse. The operation unit33 may have a touchscreen on the display screen of the display 34. Inthis case, the operation unit 33 outputs command signals input via thetouchscreen to the controller 31.

The display 34 is constituted of a monitor, such as an LCD or a CRT, andperforms various types of display in accordance with commands of displaysignals input from the controller 31.

The communication unit 35 includes a LAN adapter, a modem and a TA, andcontrols transmission and reception of data to and from apparatusesconnected to the communication network NT.

<Operation of Image Processing System 100>

Next, operation of the image processing system 100 according to thisembodiment will be described.

<Operation of Imaging Apparatus 1 and Imaging Console 2>

First, imaging that is performed by the imaging apparatus 1 and theimaging console 2 will be described.

FIG. 2 shows the imaging control process that is performed by thecontroller 21 of the imaging console 2. The imaging control process isperformed by the controller 21 in cooperation with the program stored inthe storage 22.

First, a radiographer (radiologist) operates the operation unit 23 ofthe imaging console 2 to input patient information on an examinee(subject M) and examination information (Step S1). Patient informationand examination information are collectively called order information.

Next, the controller 21 reads radiation emission conditions from thestorage 22 to set them in the radiation emission controller 12, and alsoreads image reading conditions from the storage 22 to set them in thereading controller 14 (Step S2).

Next, the controller 21 waits for a radiation emission command to beinput by the radiographer operating the operation unit 23 (Step S3). Theradiographer places the examinee (subject M) between the radiationsource 11 and the radiation detector 13 and performs positioning. Also,the radiographer instructs the examinee (subject M) about therespiratory state (e.g., quiet breathing). When preparations for imagingare complete, the radiographer operates the operation unit 23 to input aradiation emission command.

When receiving the radiation emission command input through theoperation unit 23 (Step S3; YES), the controller 21 outputs an imagingstart command to the radiation emission controller 12 and the readingcontroller 14 to start dynamic imaging (Step S4). That is, the radiationsource 11 emits radiation at pulse intervals set in the radiationemission controller 12, and the radiation detector 13 obtains(generates) a series of frame images accordingly.

When dynamic imaging for a predetermined number of frame imagesfinishes, the controller 21 outputs an imaging end command to theradiation emission controller 12 and the reading controller 14 to stopdynamic imaging. The (predetermined) number of frame images to be takencovers at least one cycle of respiration.

The frame images obtained by dynamic imaging are successively input tothe imaging console 2 and stored in the storage 22 associated withrespective numbers (frame numbers) indicating what number in the imagingorder the respective frame images have been taken (Step S5) and alsodisplayed on the display 24 (Step S6). The radiographer checks thepositioning or the like with the displayed dynamic image, and determineswhether the dynamic image obtained by dynamic imaging is suitable fordiagnosis (Imaging OK) or re-imaging is necessary (Imaging NG). Then,the radiographer operates the operation unit 23 to input thedetermination result.

If the radiographer inputs the determination result “Imaging OK” byoperating the operation unit 23 (Step S7; YES), the controller 21attaches, to the respective frame images obtained by dynamic imaging(e.g. writes, in the header region of the image data in DICOM), theimage ID, with which the dynamic image is identified, the patientinformation, the examination information, the radiation emissionconditions, the image reading conditions, the respective numbers (framenumbers) indicating what number in the imaging order the respectiveframe images have been taken and other information, and sends same tothe diagnostic console 3 through the communication unit 25 (Step S8),and then ends the imaging control process. If the radiographer inputsthe determination result “Imaging NG” by operating the operation unit 23(Step S7; NO), the controller 21 deletes (the series of) the frameimages from the storage 22 (Step S9), and then ends the imaging controlprocess. In this case, re-imaging is necessary.

<Operation of Diagnostic Console 3>

Next, analysis of a dynamic image by the diagnostic console 3 will bedescribed.

The diagnostic console 3 performs the report creation process shown inFIG. 3 with the controller 31 and the program stored in the storage 32working together. Hereinafter, the report creation process will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 3 .

In the diagnostic console 3, the controller 31 receives (obtains) aseries of frame images of a dynamic image from the imaging console 2 viathe communication unit 35 (Step S11). The controller 31 stores, in thestorage 32, the received series of frame images of a dynamic imageassociated with the image ID, the patient information, the examinationinformation and so forth.

The controller 31 analyzes the dynamic image when the dynamic image isselected from among dynamic images stored in the storage 32 and a reportcreation command is made by a radiographer (user) operating theoperation unit 33 (Step S12). More specifically, the controller 31extracts an analysis region(s) to analyze and calculates feature amounts(parameter values).

In this embodiment, the controller 31 extracts lung field regions as theanalysis region, and calculates values of the area of lung fields,displacement of diaphragm and so forth as the feature amounts (parametervalues).

Next, the radiographer checks the analysis result obtained in Step S12,and the controller 31 receives, from the radiographer via the operationunit 33, a notification (Step S13) that re-analysis is necessary (StepS13; YES) or that re-analysis is unnecessary (Step S13; NO). If thecontroller 31 receives the notification that re-analysis is unnecessary(Step S13; NO), the process proceeds to Step S14. If the controller 31receives the notification that re-analysis is necessary (Step S13; YES),the process returns to Step S12 in which the controller 31 re-analyzesthe dynamic image.

The analysis result includes, for example, frames (e.g., “a” shown inFIG. 5 , etc.) indicating lung fields in a lung field image. If framesindicating lung fields do not correctly enclose the lung fields, theradiographer makes the notification that re-analysis is necessary (StepS13; YES) using the operation unit 33.

If Step S13 is “NO”, the radiographer determines whether the analysisresult of the analysis in Step S12 needs to be corrected, and thecontroller 31 receives, from the radiographer via the operation unit 33,a notification (Step S14) that correction of the analysis result isunnecessary (Step S14; NO) or that correction of the analysis result isnecessary (Step S14; YES). If the controller 31 receives thenotification that correction of the analysis result is unnecessary (StepS14; NO), the process proceeds to Step S16. If the controller 31receives the notification that correction of the analysis result isnecessary (Step S14; YES), the process proceeds to Step S15 in which theradiographer corrects the analysis result.

If Step S14 is “YES”, the radiographer corrects the analysis result ofthe analysis in Step S12, and the controller 31 receives the correctedanalysis result from the radiographer via the operation unit 33 (StepS15). The analysis result may be corrected, for example, to delete parts(e.g., useless substances/objects or the like appearing in the medicalimage) undesirable to be displayed in a report to be created. A settingmay be made such that when the radiographer corrects a part in one frameimage, the controller 31 corrects the same part in the other frameimages.

Next, the radiographer selects an image(s) (frame image(s)) to displayin a report to create (reporting image(s)), and the controller 31receives the selected reporting image from the radiographer via theoperation unit 33 (Step S16). For example, a lung field image(s) isselected as the reporting image.

Next, the radiographer selects and confirms evaluation items (radarchart items, feature amounts or parameters) using a radar chart itemsetting screen shown in FIG. 4 , and the controller 31 receives theselection results from the radiographer via the operation unit 33 (StepS17).

Hereinafter, the radar chart item setting screen shown in FIG. 4 will bedescribed.

A sets-of-items section A1 is a section to select a set of evaluationitems from among sets thereof stored in advance in the storage 32.

A detailed settings section A2 is a section to select evaluation itemsto be displayed on a radar chart preview image A3.

In accordance with a set checked (check-marked) in the sets-of-itemssection A1, evaluation items in the detailed settings section A2 arecheck-marked. More specifically, for example, when “For Evaluation ofVentilatory Impairment” is check-marked in the sets-of-items section A1,eight evaluation items in the detailed settings section A2 arecheck-marked, the eight evaluation items including “Maximum Lung FieldArea” and “Minimum Lung Field Area”.

The preview image A3 is a preview image of a radar chart generated onthe basis of the evaluation items selected in the detailed settingssection A2. This allows the radiographer to check a radar chart beforeit is finally output as a report.

A bold line therein indicates reference values of normal cases. On theradar chart, the reference values of the normal cases are “1”.

A dashed line therein indicates relative values of the examinee(patient) to the reference values of the normal cases.

A save button B1 is a button to save the settings of the evaluationitems. When the save button B1 is pressed, a radar chart is generated.

A cancel button B2 is a button to cancel the settings of the evaluationitems. When the cancel button B2 is pressed, the report creation processis aborted.

Evaluation items in the detailed settings section A2 can be selecteddirectly without using the sets-of-items section A1.

Order of the evaluation items on the preview image A3 can be changed bythe radiographer dragging and dropping the evaluation item(s) on thepreview image A3 using the mouse of the operation unit 33.

If there is no intention to change the selected/set evaluation itemseach time the report creation process is performed, a setting file inwhich the evaluation items are set may be stored in the storage 32 inadvance. This can save time and effort to set evaluation items on theradar chart item setting screen each time the report creation process isperformed.

In Step S18, the controller 31 sets the selection results as evaluationitems (Step S18).

Next, the controller 31 generates a radar chart on the basis of theevaluation items set in Step S17 (Step S19).

Next, the controller 31 causes the display 34 to display a reportincluding the radar chart (Step S20). For example, the display 34displays a measurement result display screen (measurement result summaryor report) shown in FIG. 5 .

Hereinafter, the measurement result (report) display screen shown inFIG. 5 will be described.

In an area A4, the patient information, the examination information andso forth are displayed.

In an area A5, examination results are displayed. In the example shownin FIG. 5 , change in the area of the lung fields (“Change in Lung FieldArea”), change in the diameter of the trachea (“Change in TrachealDiameter”), displacement of the diaphragm (“Diaphragm Displacement”) andthe lateral area of the lung fields (“Lateral Lung Field Area”) aredisplayed.

For example, of the area A5, in a sub-area for the “Change in Lung FieldArea”, the reporting images selected in Step S16 are used, and the lungfields are enclosed by frames a so that their positions can be checked.At the upper right of the reporting images, the ratio of change in thearea of the lung fields of the patient and the mean and the normaldistribution of ratios of change in the area of the lung fields ofhealthy people, which are described below, are displayed. The normaldistribution is displayed in gradations of color. At the lower right ofthe reporting images, a graph is displayed. The graph shows temporalchange in the ratio of change in the area of the lung fields of thepatient, and also shows the mean and the normal distribution of theratios of change in the area of the lung fields of healthy people, withthe horizontal axis representing examination dates (in the form of“Year/Month”) of the patient.

In sub-areas for the “Change in Tracheal Diameter”, the “DiaphragmDisplacement” and the “Lateral Lung Field Area”, details are displayedin the same manner.

In an area A6, a radar chart of the evaluation items set in Step S18 isdisplayed. As in FIG. 4 , a bold line therein indicates the referencevalues of the normal cases, and a dashed line therein indicates therelative values of the examinee (patient) to the reference values of thenormal cases.

When a report is thus created, the controller 31 outputs the report toan image storage apparatus, such as a PACS (Picture Archiving andCommunication System), via the communication network NT. A doctor(s) canmake a diagnosis on the basis of the report.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

In the above embodiment, as shown in the measurement result displayscreen shown in FIG. 5 , only one radar chart is displayed, but, forexample, as shown in the measurement result display screen shown in FIG.6 , a plurality of radar charts may be displayed. In FIG. 6 , a radarchart of the patient and the normal cases (reference values indicated bya bold line) and a radar chart of the patient and an obstructive pattern(indicated by a bold dotted line) are displayed side by side in the areaA6. This makes it possible to compare the patient with the normal cases(reference values) and with the obstructive pattern at the same time. Aplurality of radar charts in the area A6 may not be displayed side byside, but may be displayed in other forms, for example, one aboveanother.

FIG. 7 shows examples of patterns, namely, a normal pattern, anobstructive pattern and a restrictive pattern, as indicated by bolddotted lines. More specifically, for example, in the case of a person(s)in a normal state of health in the disease (“healthy people” mentionedabove), the values of the “Maximum Lung Field Area”, the “Change In LungField Area”, the “Estimated Maximum Volume” and the “DiaphragmDisplacement” tend to be greater than their reference values, whereasthe value of the “Narrowing of Tracheal Diameter” tends to be less thanits reference value. As in the above, bold lines therein indicate thereference values of the normal cases, which are “1”.

As shown in FIG. 8 , a plurality of data (sets of values of evaluationitems) may be displayed on a single radar chart. For example, FIG. 8shows an example of a COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)patient treated and improved. In the case of COPD patients, the area ofthe lung fields tends to be large due to lung overexpansion, change inthe area of the lung fields tends to be small because lungs hardly movedue to lung overexpansion, the estimated volume tends to be large inaccordance with the area, displacement of the diaphragm tends to besmall due to lung overexpansion, and the trachea tends to narrow due topressure change in the body caused by the disease. In FIG. 8 , follow-updata of a diagnosis date of Jan. 28, 2021 (“2021/01/28” indicated by adashed line) and follow-up data of a diagnosis date of Apr. 30, 2021(“2021/04/30” indicated by a dashed-dotted line) of the patient can becompared with the reference values of the normal cases (indicated by abold line) on the same radar chart, so that improvement of the COPD canbe more clearly and easily seen.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 , a diagnosis dates section A7is provided, and if there is a plurality of data (diagnosis dates ofJan. 28, 2021 (“2021/01/28”), Feb. 2, 2021 (“2021/02/02”) and Apr. 30,2021 (“2021/04/30”) linked with the order information, the diagnosisdates section A7 is displayed so that the diagnosis dates are displayed,and on the basis of selected diagnosis dates (diagnosis dates of Jan.28, 2021 and Apr. 30, 2021), data are displayed on a single radar chartso as to be superimposed on top of one another as shown in FIG. 8 . Ifthere is no plurality of data linked with the order information, thediagnosis dates section A7 may not be displayed.

Further, in Step S17, the radiographer may select one or more radarcharts from among a plurality of radar charts. That is, a plurality ofpreview images of radar charts is displayed on the display 34, and theradiographer selects, using the operation unit 33, one or more radarcharts to display in a report, instead of selecting evaluation items asin the above embodiment.

Further, a setting may be made such that the radiographer can changeevaluation items as appropriate after selecting a radar chart(s).

Further, the color(s) of the evaluation items of a radar chart can bechanged. For example, the color of letters and the color of a dottedline(s) of an evaluation item(s) on a radar chart can be changed toindicate that the evaluation item is an item to be noted, or that thevalue of the evaluation item has significantly changed from the oneobtained at the previous examination. Such an evaluation item(s) of aradar chart may be provided with a mark, such as an asterisk.

Further, the evaluation items of a radar chart may be rearranged. Forexample, arrangement of the evaluation items may be changed such thatevaluation items relevant to one another are arranged next to oneanother or in accordance with their large-small relationship. Thecontroller 31 may automatically determine the relevance of theevaluation items of a radar chart, and display evaluation items highlyrelevant to one another next to one another.

Further, if examinations are performed first time (first examination)with an image analysis program Ver1.0 and second time (secondexamination) with an image analysis program Ver2.0 shown in FIG. 10 , ona radar chart displayed at the second examination, there is nomeasurement result of the “Narrowing of Tracheal Diameter” at the firstexamination. In such a case, the image at the first examination may beobtained at the time of the second examination by Q/R (Query & Retrieve)from the image storage apparatus, and analyzed about the “Narrowing ofTracheal Diameter”, so that the result can be displayed on the radarchart.

Further, the controller 31 may automatically select evaluation items ofa radar chart on the basis of the order information.

For example, in Step S17 shown in FIG. 3 , the controller 31 may causethe display 34 to display, from the beginning, the radar chart itemsetting screen shown in FIG. 4 where evaluation items are alreadyselected in the sets-of-items section A1 and/or the detailed settingssection A2 on the basis of the patient information, the examinationinformation and so forth associated with the image obtained by thecontroller 31 in Step S11.

As another example, the controller 31 may automatically set radar chartitems (evaluation items) on the basis of the patient information, theexamination information and so forth associated with the image obtainedby the controller 31 in Step S11, and generate a radar chart in StepS19, skipping Steps S17 and S18, namely, without displaying the radarchart item setting screen.

For the automatic selection, association of patient information,examination information and so forth with radar chart items is preset onthe basis of knowledge obtained from diagnoses in the past or the like.

Further, the controller 31 may cause the display 34 to prominentlydisplay a primary evaluation item(s) among a plurality of evaluationitems, for example, in boldface type, in the radar chart item settingscreen shown in FIG. 4 .

Further, in the above, the lung field regions are the analysis region,but another organ may be the analysis target, namely, the analysisregion.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , a heart ROI (Region ofInterest) may be the analysis region, and change in signal value (signalvalue change) (S_Inhalation/S_Exhalation) calculated from the meansignal value of the heart ROI at the time of inhalation (S_Inhalation)(left in FIG. 11 ) and the mean signal value thereof at the time ofexhalation (S_Exhalation) (right in FIG. 11 ) may be used as anevaluation item.

Further, in the above, a dynamic image is used, but a still image may beused. In this case, the imaging apparatus 1 functions as an imager thattakes still images.

More specifically, a still image as shown in FIG. 12 is used, and theratio of the heart to the thorax (cardiothoracic ratio) is observed asan evaluation item. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the cardiothoracicratio is expressed by “(b−a)/(d−c)×100”.

Further, in the above, the medical image is a dynamic image obtained byradiographing, but not limited thereto. For example, the medical imagemay be an ultrasound image(s).

More specifically, the medical image may be ultrasound images as shownin FIG. 13 , and change in shape of an examination target site may beobserved as an evaluation item using D/W ratio (a1/b1 and a2/b2) at adynamic test (examination to see change in shape by pressing a probe toan examination target site).

Effects, Etc

As described above, the image processing apparatus (diagnostic console3) includes the controller 31 that obtains a medical image in which asubject is imaged, the medical image being obtained by examining thesubject, to be more specific, obtained by imaging the subject withradiation, calculates a value(s) of an evaluation item(s) based on themedical image, sets evaluation items among a plurality of evaluationitems, generates a radar chart using the value of each of the setevaluation items, and outputs the radar chart. This makes it possible togenerate a suitable radar chart(s) in accordance with a disease and anobservation site about which analysis is performed.

Further, the medical image is a dynamic image. This increases the numberof analyzable evaluation items as compared with a still image, and makesit possible to generate a more suitable radar chart(s) for diagnosis.

Further, the controller 31 calculates, as the value of the evaluationitem, a value of time-series information based on the dynamic image.Hence, time-series information can be used for a radar chart.

Further, the time-series information as the evaluation item includes anevaluation item related to a motion of an organ and an evaluation itemrelated to a signal value change accompanying the motion of the organ.Examples of the time-series information (evaluation items) include themaximum area of lung fields, the minimum area of lung fields, (ratio of)change in the area of lung fields, estimated maximum volume, estimatedminimum volume, displacement of right diaphragm, displacement of leftdiaphragm, (amount of) narrowing of tracheal diameter, and change insignal value (signal value change) of a heart ROI.

Further, the controller 31 generates the radar chart provided withreference values of a normal case(s) for the respective set evaluationitems. This allows the user to see and compare data of a patient withdata of healthy people.

Further, the controller 31 generates, as the radar chart, a plurality ofradar charts. This allows the user to see and compare radar charts withone another on a screen.

Further, the image processing apparatus (diagnostic console 3) furtherincludes the operation receiver (operation unit 33) that receives a useroperation(s) to select one or more radar charts from the plurality ofradar charts, and the controller 31 outputs the selected one or moreradar charts. This makes it smooth to select a radar chart(s) becausethe user does not need to select evaluation items one by one to generatea radar chart(s), but can select a radar chart(s) on the basis ofpreview images of radar charts.

Further, the controller 31 outputs the plurality of radar charts. Thisallows the user to see and compare radar charts with one another on ascreen.

Further, the controller 31 sets the evaluation items based on the orderinformation. For this, knowledge obtained from diagnoses in the past orthe like can be utilized, and the user can check the initially displayedscreen where evaluation items are already selected, and after checkingthe evaluation items recommended for diagnosis, reselect an evaluationitem(s) or fix the selected evaluation items as they are. The above alsoreduces time and effort to select evaluation items. If a setting is madeto automatically generate a radar chart using the evaluation itemsautomatically selected on the basis of the order information, it furtherreduces time and effort.

Further, the image processing apparatus (diagnostic console 3) includesthe operation receiver (operation unit 33) that receives a useroperation(s) to set the evaluation items, and the controller 31 sets theevaluation items corresponding to the user operation(s) received by theoperation unit 33. This makes it possible to precisely select evaluationitems as requested by the user.

Further, the number of the evaluation items to be set by the controller31 is variable. This makes it possible to change parameters of a radarchart in accordance with a disease and an observation site about whichanalysis is performed.

The image processing system 100 includes the controller 31 that obtainsa medical image obtained by imaging a subject with radiation, calculatesa value(s) of an evaluation item(s) based on the medical image, setsevaluation items among a plurality of evaluation items, generates aradar chart using the value of each of the set evaluation items, andoutputs the radar chart. This makes it possible to generate a suitableradar chart(s) in accordance with a disease and an observation siteabout which analysis is performed.

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores the programthat causes the computer (controller 31) of the image processingapparatus (diagnostic console 3) to obtain a medical image obtained byimaging a subject with radiation, calculate a value(s) of an evaluationitem(s) based on the medical image, set evaluation items among aplurality of evaluation items, generate a radar chart using the value ofeach of the set evaluation items, and output the radar chart. This makesit possible to generate a suitable radar chart(s) in accordance with adisease and an observation site about which analysis is performed.

Those described in the above embodiments are some of preferred examplesof the present disclosure, and hence the present disclosure is notlimited thereto.

For example, in the above embodiments, the controller 31 uses a singlemedical image (dynamic image) to generate a radar chart(s), but may usemultiple types of medical images (dynamic image, still image, etc.) togenerate a radar chart(s).

Further, in the above, the computer-readable storage medium storing theprogram(s) of the present disclosure is a hard disk, a nonvolatilesemiconductor memory or the like, but not limited thereto and may be aportable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM. Further, as a medium toprovide data of the program(s) of the present disclosure via acommunication line, a carrier wave can be used.

The other detailed configurations/components and operations of theapparatuses of the image processing system can also be appropriatelychanged without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedand illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made forpurposes of not limitation but illustration and example only. The scopeof the present disclosure should be interpreted by terms of the appendedclaims.

1. An image processing apparatus comprising a hardware processor thatobtains a medical image in which a subject is imaged, calculates a valueof an evaluation item based on the medical image, sets evaluation itemsamong a plurality of evaluation items, generates a radar chart using thevalue of each of the set evaluation items, and outputs the radar chart.2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein themedical image is a dynamic image.
 3. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the hardware processor calculates, as thevalue of the evaluation item, a value of time-series information basedon the dynamic image.
 4. The image processing apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein the time-series information as the evaluation itemincludes an evaluation item related to a motion of an organ and anevaluation item related to a signal value change accompanying the motionof the organ.
 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the hardware processor generates the radar chart provided withreference values of a normal case for the respective set evaluationitems.
 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe hardware processor generates, as the radar chart, a plurality ofradar charts.
 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6,further comprising an operation receiver that receives a user operationto select one or more radar charts from the plurality of radar charts,wherein the hardware processor outputs the selected one or more radarcharts.
 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, whereinthe hardware processor outputs the plurality of radar charts.
 9. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hardwareprocessor sets the evaluation items based on order information.
 10. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising anoperation receiver that receives a user operation to set the evaluationitems, wherein the hardware processor sets the evaluation itemscorresponding to the user operation received by the operation receiver.11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thenumber of the evaluation items to be set by the hardware processor isvariable.
 12. An image processing system comprising: an examinationapparatus that obtains a medical image in which a subject is imaged; animage processing apparatus that is connected to the examinationapparatus; and a hardware processor that obtains the medical image fromthe examination apparatus, calculates a value of an evaluation itembased on the medical image, sets evaluation items among a plurality ofevaluation items, generates a radar chart using the value of each of theset evaluation items, and outputs the radar chart.
 13. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes acomputer of an image processing apparatus to: obtain a medical image inwhich a subject is imaged; calculate a value of an evaluation item basedon the medical image; set evaluation items among a plurality ofevaluation items; generate a radar chart using the value of each of theset evaluation items; and output the radar chart.